Washing Machine fills up very slowly when switched off!

willdc1

Hi all

Your advice would be much appreciated. I have a Hotpoint washer dryer and even when the machine is switched off,the drum fills with cold water very slowly. (It takes about 1 day to fill up a couple of inches worth of water).

The only way I can guarantee that the water doesn't keep getting into the drum when the machine is iff is to to turn to off the the cold water mini ball valve to which the hose is connected. (the machine is cold and hot fill).It's a bit of a pain to have to keep turning on/off the valve whenever I want to use the washing machine.

Any idea what is wrong and how much t it would cost for the part to be replaced including labour? Is it worth it? The machine is about 7 years old, but works perfectly apart from this.

All advice / ideas appreciated!

Thanks

willdc1

derrick

There is usually a solenoid valve that is closed when the machine has no power to it, this sounds like that valve is not fully closing therefore letting water pass, short of taking out and cleaning the solenoid valve,( it may have some dirt in it), the only other way, apart from what you are dong is to replace the valve. I don't know how much this will be, but for an engineer to do it would probably be expensive what with the cost of the valve, unless you can do it yourself?

For a 7 year old machine, unless the DIY job is easy and cheap, I would continue with what you are doing. is it easy enough to turn off the mini ball valve? If so I would leave it.

basmic

Sound like a solenoid has gone, to me. Basically the solenoids control the valves for the water inlets. Either that, or perhaps a seal near the valve?

willdc1

Thanks for your replies. I will phone up a local washing machine repair company and see how much it would cost for them to replace the solenoid as unfortunately I don't have the knowledge to replace it myself.

Derrick - you're right, it is easy to turn the cold water mini ball valve, but a bit of a pain, and I'm worried that if I turn it too many times, one day the valve will break off in my hand!

Thanks again.

willdc1